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Bulgaria inquinans, commonly known as Black Bulgar, is a saprobic fungus found on decaying wood, particularly oak. It is characterized by its dark, jelly-like, cup-shaped fruiting bodies.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The 'cap' is the inner surface of the cup, which is smooth and black. As it matures, it can become more flattened.
- Gills
- This fungus does not have gills.
- Stem
- This fungus does not have a stem.
- Flesh
- The flesh is a dark, jelly-like substance.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting bodies are typically cup-shaped, black, and gelatinous, ranging from 1 to 3 cm in diameter.
- Habitat
- It grows on dead wood, especially oak, often in groups.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth, black.
- Growth Form: Cup-shaped.
- Spore Print: Black.
- Body color: Black.
- Odor: Indistinct.
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise.
- Height: Up to 1 cm.
- Cap Diameter: 1-3 cm.
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeBulgaria inquinans is not considered toxic, but it is not typically eaten due to its rubbery texture and lack of flavor.
Quick Check
- Odor: Not distinctive.
- Fruiting: Cup-shaped, black, and gelatinous.
- Substrate: Decaying wood, especially oak.
Where to Find
North America
Found in hardwood forests, particularly on decaying oak branches.
Europe
Common in many European countries, growing on dead deciduous wood.
Finding Tips
Look on Oak
Search for it on fallen oak branches or decaying oak logs.
Check After Rain
The jelly-like consistency is more apparent after rainfall.
Similar Species
Exidia glandulosa
Fungus
Also known as: Black Witch's Butter
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Leotiomycetes
- Order
- Phacidiales
- Family
- Phacidiaceae
- Genus
- Bulgaria
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: N/A
- Refrigeration: N/A
How to Clean
Not typically consumed, so cleaning is not applicable.
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